Apparatus and process for graphic-image transfer

ABSTRACT

A process for transferring electrophotographically developed images from a web to a final image carrier utilizing pressure contact and a preconditioning treatment of the final image carrier by a tackifying fluid. Apparatus includes a drum for releasably clamping the final carrier thereon partially enclosed in a vapor chamber in which the carrier surface is preconditioned. A web having a transferable image thereon is disposed in aligned contact with the drum and the web is transported and the drum is rotated by frictional driving contact with a reciprocable pressure roller thereby to transfer the images to the carrier in sequence. The drum is also axially indexable by an air-operated piston and controlled by a rack and solenoid-operated panel. An adjustable, automatic, continuous liquid-metering device measures the amount of tackifying liquid fed to the vaporizing chamber.

United States Patent Inventor Len A. Tyler Evanston, Ill.

App]. No. 695,228

Filed Jan. 2, 1968 Patented Oct. 12, 197 1 Assignee Bell & Howell Company Chicago, Ill.

APPARATUS AND PROCESS FOR GRAPHIC- lMAGE TRANSFER 14 Claims, 10 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl 355/95, 355/85, 355/86 Int. Cl G03b 27/04 Field ofSearch 355/85, 86, 91, 95, 14

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,011,199 12/1911 l-luebner 355/85 7/1957 Tondreau. 355/91 X 8/1960 Hickey 355/95 Primary Examiner-John M. l-loran Assistant Examiner-T. A. Mauro 355/86 x ass/14 x Attorney-Jack H. Hall ABSTRACT: A process for transferring electrophotographically developed images from a web to a final image carrier utilizing pressure contact and a preconditioning treatment of the final image carrier by a tackifying fluid. Apparatus includes a drum for releasably clamping the final carrier thereon partially enclosed in a vapor chamber in which the carrier surface is preconditioned. A web having a transferable image thereon is disposed in aligned contact with the drum and the web is transported and the drum is rotated by frictional driving contact with a reciprocable pressure roller thereby to transfer the images to the carrier in sequence. The drum is also axially indexable by an air-operated piston and controlled by a rack and solenoid-operated panel. An adjustable, automatic, conplain fir Len o Z- Tyler'- A .By I dilly SHEET 2 [IF 4 3 GHQ Q PATENTEDnm 12 ml UPBQQQQtMNIIN NN. N

PAIENTEDum 12 l97l SHEET 3 UF 4 APPARATUS AND PROCESS FOR GRAPHIC-IMAGE TRANSFER The present invention relates to graphic records. Particularly the invention relates to formation of a visual record by image transfer from a first to a second visual image carrier. Specifically the invention relates to apparatus and a process for transferring successive aligned graphic images which may have been electrophotographically formed in a line longitudinally of a web or first carrier onto a second carrier as a plurality of successive rows of images.

A prior but recently developed process in electrophotography enables production of graphic images whose densities and resolutions approach those which can be achieved through the medium of silver halide films. In accordance with such priorprocess, particulate of a photoconductive insulative layer of an electrophotographiclamination is treated to form a plurality of aligned visible images longitudinally of a metallic layer supported on a flexible film web as it is moved from a supply source to a takeup station. However, the images are not permanently secured to the web as the particulate is only electrostatically attracted to the metallic layer. In consequence thereof, the web can be considered only a temporary or impermanent image carrier. That is to say, after image formation, further steps are required to make a permanent graphic record.

While various expedients might be conceived for permanently affixing the electrostatically held images to their web, the product thus produced would be satisfactory only for some purposes. It would not, however, be readily adapted for easy addition of relevant intelligence at or near any given image. This characteristic is more readily available when visual images are carried in successive rows on, for example, cards.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved process and apparatus for forming a graphic record.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved method and apparatus for contact transfer of graphic images in fonnation of a permanent record.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved graphic record in which the images are produced by an electrophotographic process.

It is an additional object of the invention to provide a permanent visual record from particulate comprising a photoconductive insulative layer of an electrophotographic lamination.

It is moreover an object of the invention to provide a record card having successive rows of images.

It is yet a further object of the invention to transfer images from an aligned position on a web to successive rows on a record card and the like.

The features of the invention by which the foregoing objects are effected comprise an image-transfer station which is provided in apparatus for producing a visual record having a plurality of successive rows of graphic images. First supporting means are arranged for moving a first carrier with transferable graphic images in a path relative the image-transfer station, and second supporting means enable moving a second carrier in image-receiving association with and transversely of the path of the first carrier at said image-transfer station. Imageapplying' means are provided for transferring the graphic images at the transfer station and from said first carrier into rows on said second carrier. The images may, but need not, be formed in an electrophotographic process of the particulate from which a photoconductive insulative layer of an electrophotographic lamination is fabricated. If they are so formed, the first carrier comprises a conductive layer included in said electrophotographic lamination, and the graphic images are physically transferred from a single row on the first carrier to a plurality of successive rows on said second carrier for producing a permanent visual record.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon con sideration of the following description and appended claims when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein the same reference character or numeral refers to like or corresponding parts throughout the several views.

On the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of apparatus embodying one form of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a view according to the section line 22 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary rear elevational view according to the line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a view according to the broken section line 4-4 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a view according to the section line 5-5 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a view according to the section line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary view in perspective of a plurality of switch-actuating cams for operating said apparatus.

FIG. 8 is an electrical wiring scheme for said apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an electrophotographic lamination prior to development and drawn to a scale enlarged from the scale of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9, however showing the electrophotographic lamination following development.

Having reference now more particularly to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 of the drawings, a chassis or framework generally designated 11 comprises a base 13 from which a front vertical hanger plate 15 projects for rotationally supporting a film takeup reel 17 which defines a takeup station. With lamination supply means defining a supply station 16, reel 17 provides first supporting means for an impermanent, temporary or first carrier 19 which is movable in a path longitudinally of the web forming said carrier and relative to an image-transfer station generally designated 21. As illustrated in FIG. 10, first carrier 19 provides support for material defining a graphic or visual image 25 which is adapted for transfer in a manner which will become apparent from ensuing description.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated, image 25 consists of the residue of particulate or particles after development of a photoconductive insulative layer 27 of an electrophotographic lamination or sandwich 29 (shown undeveloped in FIG. 9). However, as it will be appreciated, all aspects of the invention are not limited to image formation in the particular manner described. That is to say, the invention comprehends graphic-image formation by any suitable means. including electrical, mechanical, or chemical techniques.

Nevertheless, as illustrated, electrophotographic lamination 29, prior to development, is introduced from supply station 16 and comprises a soluble thermoplastic removable insulator disposed in a layer 31 between photoconductive insulative layer 27 and a metallic layer 33 of, for example, aluminum. The latter, together with a flexible web or film 35 of, for example, mylar, to one of the opposite faces of which layer 33 is bonded, forms first carrier 19 after development. Preferably the photoconductive insulative layer 27 is composed of selenium particles having a dimension of about 0.2 microns. The thermoplastic layer 31 is approximately 2.0 microns thick, and the aluminum layer 33 is about 75 percent light transmissive and sufficiently thin so that first carrier 19 is flexible. To that end, and to enable storage of lamination 29, prior to development, at supply station 16, and to enable storage of image carrier 19 on takeup spool 17, after development, web or film 35 is between ODDS-0.007 inch thick.

If" image 25 is formed in accordance with the hereindescribed embodiment, layer 27 is charged statically prior to exposure by employing a corona technique. For that purpose, layer 33 must be grounded. Thereafter, electrophotographic lamination 29 is exposed in a conventional manner, such as by projection or by contact, to form a latent image in layer 27. Subsequently, layer 31 is removed by dipping the laminations member 29 into a thermoplastic solvent for washing away said last-named layer as well as portions of particulate which are nonimage forming. Remaining after such washing and after evaporation of the solvent from the product removed from the wash, is first carrier 19 on layer 33 of which selenium particulate corresponding to the latent image theretofore produced becomes attached as a physical image, as illustrated in FIG. 10. However, the bonding is weak, and transfer of image 25, in a manner which will be described presently, is therefore facilitated. Moreover, as the aforesaid image-formation process permits creation of a plurality of aligned temporarily held images longitudinally of first carrier 19, theseimages can be applied, in accordance with the present invention, in successive rows on a second or receiving card or carrier 37 at image-transfer station 21 as first carrier 19 is moved toward takeup reel 17 for presenting the thereon-supported images in sequence at said transfer station.

Second carrier 37, which may become a permanent visual record, is releasably secured on a rotatable drum 39 by suitable clamp means 41 (FIG. 1). Drum 39 comprises supporting means for moving carrier 37 during successive periods into image-transfer association with carrier 19, and to that end said drum is supported at image-transfer station Hand is arranged concentrically of and for corotation with a shaft 43, for rotating second carrier 37 adjacent the image-carrying face of web 35 into image-receiving aspect at said station about an axis extending transversely of the path of first carrier 19.

Drum 39 is also arranged for intermittent linear or axial movement; that is to say, movement transversely of the path of movement of first carrier 19. Transverse or axial drum movement is accomplished through the medium of a supporting assembly means comprised of a pair of horizontally spaced vertical bearing blocks 45 and 47 in which shaft 43 is journaled and which, together with a vertical force transmission plate 49, are rigidly secured to a carriage 51. The latter is included in means for relatively moving carriers 19 and 37, and is slidable along chassis base 13 on a thereto fixed horizontal track 53 which extends transversely of vertical front hanger plate and a thereto parallel fixed rear hanger plate 55 (FIG. 2).

A motive means or reversible motor 59 is arranged for reversibly driving drum 39 through the expedient of a sprocket band 57 which is arranged in operable association with a pair of sprockets 61 and 63. The former is secured to the shaft of motor 59 and the latter is secured on shaft 43. The face plate of motor 59 is rigidly secured to an upward extension 65 of bearing block 45. Thereby, motor 59 is adapted for movement with drum 39 and its supporting assembly.

In the illustrated embodiment, images are pressure transferred or removed from first carrier 19 and applied onto second carrier 37. To effect the transfer, the image-receiving areas of carrier 37 are coated with a conventional material 67, such as a soluble plastic, which is normally hard but capable of becoming tacky to develop an affinity for the image material sufficient to overcome the force with which the images are held on first carrier 19. To the end that the first carrier 19 may be brought into transfer association with successive parts of second carrier 37, an air-operated cylinder 69 is supported from front hanger plate 15 by a bracket 71 which is proportioned to accommodate vertical reciprocation of reciprocative means, fluid-operated member or piston 73 of said air cylinder. An assembly including a roller 75, which is included in said reciprocative means, is carried on the lower end of said piston, and is arranged so that roller spindle 77 extends transversely of the path of movement of first carrier 19. The arrangement is such that the circumference of roller 75 is disposed adjacent the nonimage-carrying face of web 35 to intermittently drive said image-containing face against second carrier 37 as piston 73 reciprocates between a first position in which said first and second carriers 19 and 37 are disposed in image-impinging association for image transfer and a second position in which image transfer is prevented.

Constant tension on first carrier 19 which causes its engagement with roller 75 results from torque of tensioning means comprising a takeup motor 79 which is mounted behind front hanger plate 15 for driving takeup reel 17 through a gear train 81 (FIG. 4). In the present embodiment, however, the takeup torque is insufficient to draw first carrier 19 longitudinally of its path. Such movement is effected by the traction generated by the torque of drum 39 as it rotates and the force with which roller 75 impinges first carrier 19 against second carrier 37.

To the latter end during which image transfer occurs, air is conducted through a conduit 83 (FIG. 3) from its supply source (not shown) through a valved body 85 for controlled flow through a conduit 87 to cylinder 69 which comprises means for reciprocating roller 75 into and out of tractional association with carrier 19. A solenoid 89 (FIG. 8) is arranged in body 85 for controlling its valve and accordingly the air pressure in cylinder 69. The air thus delivered forces piston 73 downwardly against its normal spring biasing to impel carriers 19 and 37 relative one another to effect image transfer by contact of image 25 with thereon-aligned material 67. The period for which the piston remains at the limit of its downstroke can be adjusted in accordance with requirements of the evident variable factors so that a length of only a desired segment of first carrier 19 will be impinged against carrier 37 at any one downstroke, to permit precision transfer of thereon-supported images. The normal tensioning on first carrier 19 caused by takeup reel 17 will insure that carrier 19 will follow the roller 75 when piston 73 retracts.

Operating in synchronization with solenoid 89 is an indexing mechanism generally designated 91 (FIG. 2) for moving a member such as drum 39 axially intermittently to successive positions in which successive axially spaced areas of material 67 are aligned with roller 75 for rotation through station 21. That is to say, after image 25 from a section of first carrier 19 of predetermined length has been transferred to second carrier 37, drum 39 will be moved axially for delivering successive portions of second carrier 37 into alignment with a following segment of first carrier 19 for transfer of a succeeding image then disposed at station 21, and so on, until a successive number of rows of images has been applied to second carrier 37.

Control of the tackiness of material 67 is efiected by a solvent 93 which is stored at a source in supply means being a reservoir 95 (FIGS. 4 and 5). As illustrated in FIG. 2, a trough 97 is constrained for movement with carriage 51 by reason of a mounting assembly 99 which through fasteners 101 secures said trough to bearing block 47. Thereby, a fixed relationship is maintained between drum 39 and said trough into which said drum partially extends for rotation in a manner such that material 67 to which image 25 is being transferred at any given time is disposed outside of said trough.

Liquid-receiving means comprising a conduit 103 transfer solvent 93 between reservoir 95 and trough 97. At its downstream end, conduit 103 is connected to a vaporizing chamber 105 which is mounted below and for movement with the trough. A vent 107 (FIG. 2) enables escape of solvent gases from chamber 105 into the trough where material 67 is suitably softened by vaporized solvent as drum 39 rotates, to effect image transfer.

Heating means comprising an electric heater element 109 is arrangedwith respect to chamber 105 for vaporizing thereincontained solvent. To appropriately control the heater element, an adjustable thermal switch 113 (FIG. 8) is connected in a heater circuit 111. An indicator light 115, which is shown connected in parallel with heater circuit 111 by conductors 117, is mounted in a chassis-supported control panel 119 (FIG. 1) for obvious intelligence purposes because it may be deemed desirable from time to time in order to control the tackiness of material 67 to disconnect heater element 109 from the power source (Not shown).

Control of delivery of solvent 93 from reservoir 95 is through the medium of solvent-metering means generally designated 120 (FIG. 4) which is in fluid communication with the upstream end portion of conduit 103. Said fluid-metering means comprises a valve body or housing 121 which is arranged for intermittent fluid transmission by gravity flow between solvent reservoir 95 and conduit 103. It is secured by suitable fasteners 123 to a boss 125 which is fast to chassis 11. Valve housing 121 has a tapered seat in which a tapered valve 127 rotationally engages by means of a compression spring 129 which is arranged about valve stem 131 between an end of housing 121 and a bearing assembly 133 which is secured on said valve stem in spaced relationship from an end of said housing. Valve 127 is corotational with stem 131 for successively moving each of a plurality of outwardly opening ,wells 135 and 137 which are formed in said valve first into solventreceiving condition and thereafter into solvent-delivering position. To that end, valve housing 121 has a plurality of bores 139 and 141 arranged for registration with wells 135 and 137 as they rotate past said bores. The downstream end of a delivery duct 143 which projects from reservoir 95 is connected in a fluidtight seal to housing 121 with its lumen in registration with bore 139. The upstream end of conduit 103 is connected to housing 121 with its lumen in registration with bore 141. In the present illustration, wells 135 and 137 are spaced in diametric opposition so that while one well fills from reservoir 95 the other empties into conduit 103.

Means for efi'ecting rotation of valve stem 131, and accordingly valve 127, comprises continuously driven motor 145 on the output shaft of which a cam 147 is corotationally mounted intermittently to move a normally open microswitch 149 to close a circuit 151 (FIG. 8). A motor 153 which rotates at a different rate from motor 145 is arranged to be intermittently energized for rotation by circuit 151. Motor 153 has an output shaft 155 which is connected by coupling means 157 to a projection of valve stem 131 for driving valve 127. It is appreciated that the parts are synchronized for delivering sufficient fluid to chamber 105 through the medium of can 147, the dwell and throw of which are proportioned so that motor 153 will become energized and deenergized for sufficient periods to insure maintenance of the quantity of fluid delivered to chamber 105 within a preselected range.

In the illustrated embodiment, indexing mechanism 91 comprises driven means, here shown as a double-acting air cylinder 159 (FIGS. 2 and 3) which is mounted from rear chassis plate 55 with its reciprocative piston or rod 161 secured by opposed fasteners 163 to plate 49. Rod 161 is a driven member which is arranged for moving drum 39 axially thereof and is included in means ,for relatively moving said carriers 19 and 37. Indexing movement, that is to say movement of carriage 51, from the position of FIG. 2 to the right thereof, to motivate drum 39 at successive intervals transversely of the path of first carrier 19, is controlled by air pressure is cylinder 159 transmitted to one end thereof by air tube 167. The latter is in fluid communication with an air-supply source (not shown) through a valved structure 165 which is connected to air-supply tube 169. The valve of structure 165 is controlled by a solenoid 171 (FIG. 8) which is arranged for intermittent motivation, as will become presently apparent, to produce drum-advancing pressure. For fine control of indexing movement to insure that only predetermined successive portions of the second carrier 37 are presented at imagetransfer station 21, control means in the form of a rack or ratchet 173 is mounted for sliding movement in the rear chassis plate 55 parallel to and together with rod 161. Rigid securance of the forward end portion of said rack and plate 49 by suitable fasteners 175 causes such simultaneous movement. The rear portion of rack 173 has a plurality of notches 177 (only two of which have been numbered in FIG. 2) which are spaced from each other for moving drum 39 intermittently successive distances according to the pitch of said notches. Thereby, only desired portions of second carrier 37 will be presented at image-transfer station 21. A detent 179 is connected to rear chassis plate 55 by a bracket 181 from which said detent is rockably hung for removable selective engagement in said notches for restraining axial movement. The condition of the detent is responsive to solenoid 183 from the magnetically retractable arm 185 of which the detent is pivotally connected by a link 187 and by means of which the detent may be moved from holding position when solenoid 183 is energized.

The apparatus is controlled from a power circuit 189 which is shown with a plug 191 for connection to a power source. A lamp 13 is connected in parallel with the power circuit, and is supported in control panel 119 (FIG. 1). Also mounted in the control panel is the manual component of a switch 195 for connecting motor circuit 197 and 199 with power circuit 189, thereby to enable operation of motors and 153 of solventmetering means 120. The control-panel-hung manual component of a switch 201 is arranged to connect a transformer 203 into power circuit 189, whereby heater element 109 as well as lamp 115 become energized. A manual control member of a switch 205 is also mounted in control panel 119. The last switch is arranged to connect the circuit 207 of motor 59 to power circuit 189. For reversibly driving said motor, circuit 207 has two sets of terminals as shown at 209 and 211 for selectively causing current flow in alternate circuits. The circuit 213 of takeup motor 79 is arranged for connection to power circuit 189 through the medium of a manually operated switch 215, the control component of which too is mounted in panel 119. The circuits controlled by switches 195, 201, 205, and 215 are independently operably each from the other and also from a circuit assembly 217 with a manual component which is also mounted in panel 119.

For the purpose of this description, the apparatus is considered as being operative in cycles, each having two phases and during which carriage 51 moves from and returns to the position of FIG. 2. During the image-transfer part of the cycle, carriage 51 is motivated in successive steps to an extreme position to the right from its position of FIG. 2. During the 1 other part of the cycle, carriage 51 is returned.

Solenoid 89 for controlling the flow of air to cylinder 69, solenoid 183 for controlling the condition of detent 179, and solenoid 171 which controls air flow through valved structure for projection of rod 161, and all of which operate during the image-transfer part of the cycle of the apparatus, are arranged in circuit assembly 217 which is conditioned for connection to power circuit 189 when a double throw switch 219 closes against terminals 221 and 223. For the return part of the cycle, switch 219 is closed against a pair of terminals 225 and 227 to open circuit assembly 217 and condition a circuit 229 for connection to power circuit 189.

A solenoid 231 which controls the valve in a valved body 233 (FIG. 3) is arranged to be energized by said circuit 229 for controlling flow through said last valved body. A duct 235 is arranged to establish air communication through valved body 233 between the forward end of cylinder 159 and an air duct 237 which connects with an air-supply source (not shown). The arrangement is such that air supplied to cylinder 159 through air duct 237 will cause rod 161 to retract from an extended position, thereby to return carriage 51 and, accordingly, drum 39, to about the position of FIG. 2. To prevent carriage 51 from being overdriven to the left on its return to the position of FIG. 2, a microswitch 239 (FIGS. 2 and 8) is mounted in a fixed position relative the chassis 11. It is disposed in the path of and adapted to be thrown by a lug or boss 241 which is arranged for movement with carriage 51, thereby to open circuit 229.

Operating the apparatus for image transfer requires not only closure of switch 219 against terminals 221 and 223, but simultaneous forward drive of motor 59, because a plurality of cams 243, 245 and 247 which are corotational with shaft 43 control phenomena in circuit assembly 217'through operation of microswitches 249, 251 and 253 (FIG. 7). The latter members are mounted in alignment with said cams, respectively, and for movement with carriage 51 by reason of securance by tie rods 256 to a hanger plate 255 which is rigidly secured to said carriage. The actuating arm of each of microswitches 249, 251 and 253 terminates in a cam follower which is normally biased into peripheral engagement with its respective cam.

Microswitch 249 is arranged for connection to terminal 223 through a conductor 258 in which solenoid 171 is connected in series. Connection to terminal 223 is achieved during a protracted period of each cycle of cam 243 during which microswitch 249 is closed against its terminal 257. The circuit thus established is completed to terminal 221 through a circuit wire 273 to which terminal 257 is connected by a circuit wire 259. The parts are arranged and proportioned so that when the follower of microswitch 249 engages in the dwell of cam 243, the circuit through conductor 258 will be broken, solenoid 171 will be deenergized, and air supply to cylinder 159 through air tube 167 will be interrupted. On the other hand, when the follower of microswitch 249 is engaged against the throw of cam 243, air pressure tending to project rod 161 to the right with respect to FIG. '2 will be introduced into cylinder 159 through air tube 167.

When the follower of microswitch 249 enters the dwell of cam 243, switch 249 will close against a terminal 261. Thereby, during each cam cycle, a circuit from terminal 223 to terminal 221 will be completed through the solenoid 263 of an alternate action relay for shifting its switch 265 from terminal 267 or 269, whichever is then engaged by switch 265, to the then disengaged of said terminals. As will hereinafter more fully appear, switch 265 comprises means by which drum 39 advances only when roller 75 is out of tractional engagement with carrier 19. The circuits of microswitches 251 and 253, accordingly, alternately will be conditioned for connection to terminal 223 through a circuit wire 271. Completion of the circuit to terminal 221 through microswitch 251 is through a conductor 272 arranged between said last switch and circuit wire 273. Completion of the circuit to terminal 221 through microswitch 253 is also through circuit wire 273 which is connected to said last switch.

Solenoid 183 is serially connected in a conductor 275, the opposite ends of which are connected to a terminal 277 and the aforestated terminal 267. Microswitch 251, which is normally in closed condition against terminal 277, in the present embodiment of the invention, is arranged for motivation to open condition by the throw surface of cam 245, thereby to deenergize solenoid 183 and force detent 179, under its normal biasing, toward rack 173. Cams 243 and 245 are arranged and proportioned first for energizing solenoid 183 and withdrawing detent 179 from a notch 177 while extending force is applied on the rod 161, and then for releasing said detent prior to release of the extending force on rod 161 so that upon such release the detent will drop back on the rack tobe cammed by an engaged of horizontal camming surfaces 285 (FIG. 2) into the next succeeding slot and thereby stop advance of drum 39 at a predetermined position.

Overdriving of drum 39 to the right from its position of FIG. 2 is prevented when boss 241, heretofore described as fixed for movement with carriage 51, throws a microswitch 279 (FIGS. 2 and 8) to an open position, as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 8, from its normally closed position, thereby to break the circuit path to terminal 221 and, accordingly, the circuit for projecting rod 161.

As a result of the foregoing arrangement, solenoid 89 can be energized only during alternate cycles of cam 245. Consequently, roller 75 only then can be driven into imagetransfer and moving condition for first carrier 19. Moreover, roller 75 will be in operative condition only for a fraction of the period during which relay switch 265, which is included in means for alternating movement of carriers 19 and 37, is closed against terminal 269. Such control is exercised through cam 247 which is proportioned for closing switch 253 against a terminal 283 for a continuous fractional portion of the cam cycle for completion of a circuit between terminals 221 and 223 through circuit wire 273. This causes energization of solenoid 89 which is serially connected in conducting means 281 whose opposite ends comprise terminals 283 and 269.

By reason of the foregoing, first carrier 19 is prevented from disposition in image-transfer association with drum 39 while the drum is moving axially. Furthermore, even though drumadvancing force is applied during each cycle of cam 243, such advancing force is thwarted in alternate cam cycles by detent 179 during which times roller 75 is driven into image-transfer position at station 21.

As many substitutions or changes could be made in the above-described apparatus and process, and as many apparently widely different embodiments of the invention within the scope of the claims could be constructed without departing from the scope and spirit thereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be interpreted as being illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

' The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. ln apparatus for transferring a plurality of graphic images from a web having opposite faces and carried longitudinally of one face thereof to a visual record card to form a plurality of rows of graphic images thereon, the combination comprising: a drum having means for releasably holding said card onto said drum, means for rotating said drum about its axis for moving said card during successive periods into image-transfer association with said web, roller means disposed adjacent the opposite face of said web and in tractional engagement with said drum through said web for moving said web in the direction of its length, fluid operated means for reciprocating said roller out of and into said tractional association with said drum, driven means for relatively moving said card and said web axially of said drum to apply successive image rows on said card during successive periods of image-transfer association with said web when said roller is out of tractional engagement with said web, and means for indexing said drum for image transfer at positions longitudinally of the drum axis.

2. in an apparatus for transferring a plurality of images from an image carrier to a plurality of rows on a visual record card, the combination of:

a supply reel having thereon a length of said image carrier having transferrable graphic images thereon;

a takeup reel;

roller means for tractional engagement with said image carrier between said supply and takeup reels for transporting said image carrier in a path between said supply and takeup reels; and

an image-transfer station in said path comprising:

a drum mounted for rotation about an axis extending transversely of said path having means for releasably mounting said record card thereon;

means mounting said drum for axial-indexing movement;

a container at least partially surrounding said drum for receiving vapor for conditioning said card for receiving said images;

fluid-supply means;

a liquid-receiving member for vaporizing fluid delivered from said fluid supply and means connecting said liquid-receiving member with said container for delivering vaporized fluid thereto.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said container intermittently receives successive portions of said record card and is further arranged for movement with said drum to suecessive axially spaced positions thereby to fluid condition said record card to enable reception thereby of images from said image carrier.

4. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said roller means is in tractional association with said drum at the time of transfer of said images from said image carrier to said record card.

5. Apparatus according to claim 2 including means for reciprocating said roller means. I

6. Apparatus according to claim 5 in which said reciprocating means are further characterized by being arranged for interrnittently impelling said image carrier and said record card relatively toward one another to effect image transfer.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6 further characterized by tensioning means for separating said image carrier and said record card between impelling movements of said reciprocative means.

8. Apparatus according to claim 2 in which said roller 9. Apparatus according to claim 8 including means for rotating said drum for tractionally motivating said image carrier during image transfer.

10. Apparatus according to claim 2 in which said fluidsupply means includes liquid-metering means for delivering successive predetermined volumes from said fluid-supply means to said liquid-receiving member comprising a valve arranged for rotation between said liquid source andsaid receiving member, said valve having well means arranged for alignment with said liquid source and said liquid-receiving member for transferring liquid therebetween by gravity flow.

l 1. Apparatus according to claim 10 further characterized by a body disposed below said source and above said receiving member, said valve being sealed for rotation in said body, said well means comprising a pair of diametrically associated wells for flow into one thereof while the other thereof empties.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11 further characterized by driven means for rotating said valve intermittently to control the rate of flow into and from said wells.

13. Apparatus according to claim 11 in which the liquid source has a downstream opening and the receiving member has an upstream opening, said openings being in alignment diametrically of said valve for registration with said wells.

14. Apparatus according to claim 12 in which the driven means comprises a motor arranged for rotating said valve, a circuit for energizing said motor to rotate said valve, and a continuously driven cam arranged for intermittently opening said circuit correspondingly to control valve rotation. 

2. In an apparatus for transferring a plurality of images from an image carrier to a plurality of rows on a visual record card, the combination of: a supply reel having thereon a length of said image carrier having transferrable graphic images thereon; a takeup reel; roller means for tractional engagement with said image carrier between said supply and takeup reels for transporting said image carrier in a path between said supply and takeup reels; and an image-transfer station in said path comprising: a drum mounted for rotation about an axis extending transversely of said path having means for releasably mounting said record card thereon; means mounting said drum for axial-indexing movement; a container at least partially surrounding said drum for receiving vapor for conditioning said card for receiving said images; fluid-supply means; a liquid-receiving member for vaporizing fluid delivered from said fluid supply and means connecting said liquid-receiving member with said container for delivering vaporized fluid thereto.
 3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said container intermittently receives successive portions of said record card and is further arranged for movement with said drum to successive axially spaced positions thereby to fluid condition said record card to enable reception thereby of images from said image carrier.
 4. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said roller means is in tractional association with said drum at the time of transfer of said images from said image carrier to said record card.
 5. Apparatus according to claim 2 including means for reciprocating said roller means.
 6. Apparatus according to claim 5 in which said reciprocating means are further characterized by being arranged for intermittently impelling said image carrier and said record card relatively toward one another to effect image transfer.
 7. Apparatus according to claim 6 further characterized by tensioning means for separating said image carrier and said record card between impelling movements of said reciprocative means.
 8. Apparatus according to claim 2 in which said roller means is carried on a fluid-operated member reciprocative between a first position in which said image carrier and said record card are disposed in image-impinging association for image transfer and a second position in which image impingement is prevented.
 9. Apparatus according to claim 8 including means for rotating said drum for tractionally motivating said image carrier during image transfer.
 10. Apparatus according to claim 2 in which said fluid-supply means includes liquid-metering means for delivering successive predetermined volumes from said fluid-supply means to said liquid-receiving member comprising a valve arranged for rotation between said liquid source and said receiving member, said valve having well means arranged for alignment with said liquid source and said liquid-receiving member for transferring liquid therebetween by gravity flow.
 11. Apparatus according to claim 10 further characterized by a body disposed below said source and above said receiving member, said valve being sealed for rotation in said body, said well means comprising a pair of diametrically associated wells for flow into one thereof while the other thereof empties.
 12. Apparatus according to claim 11 further characterized by driven means for rotating said valve intermittently to control the rate of flow into and from said wells.
 13. Apparatus according to claim 11 in which the liquid source has a downstream opening and the receiving member has an upstream opening, said openings being in alignment diametrically of said valve for registration with said wells.
 14. Apparatus according to claim 12 in which the driven means comprises a motor arranged for rotating said valve, a circuit for energizing said motor to rotate said valve, and a continuously driven cam arranged for intermittently opening said circuit correspondingly to control valve rotation. 